A GERMAN INVASION
[To the Editor of THE SPECTATOR.] SIR,—On Sunday, November I I th, we wanted simply ,to think of our own. We thought it was not in the best of taste that a body of young Germans should be allowed to come to our service. The suggestion when it was first brought forward was not received very favourably, but the younger generation approved of it strongly, so they had their way, as they usually do.
Our church is new. It is lofty and light, a place for new idea's and new truth, and there is about it a dignity that is indifferent to criticism. It was nearly eleven o'clock when a file of young Germans in high boots and white tunics marched slowly up the'aisle unannounced. They bore before them a large and beautiful wreath of poppies and evergreens. They laid it on the Communion table. Then something happened to everybody : a rush of memories and hatreds, of repressed anger and vengeance, .a wave of love and forgiveness, and fighting against all these a desire to forget. AWay up out of sight two buglers sounded the " Lea Poet," the Silence,- the
Reveille, and then altogether organ, choir, congregation and Germans found their souls again in "For All the Saints." The Lord's Prayer in English and German broke down any race barriers that remained. That seemed to be about as far as things should go ; but these young Germans sang their prayer song, and before the Morning Service was over their invasion of our suburb had succeeded. We gave over the Evening Service entirely to them. Their leader, Baron von der Ropp, showed us a new technique in public worship, which every church in this country should study. Before the day was over the invasion became a conquest—on both sides.—I am, Sir, &c., Burdon Lane, Cheam, Surrey.
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